Growing Broccoli in Busia

Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile

Busia County is a challenging environment for Broccoli (soil-match score 27/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.29 the soil is moderately acidic, below Broccoli's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 16.6 mg/kg, K 175 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Broccoli, which favours loam. At 1200 m, the county sits below Broccoli's preferred altitude range (1800–2800 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Broccoli crop here can gross roughly KES 450,000 per acre.